Well, it looks like Pigeon Forge is going to get their long overdue event center. This center will be the result of the city's $45 million plan to revamp the failed, but not forgotten Belle Island. Just recently, city commissioners gave their approval to work a deal with Pigeon River Land Partners LLC. Developer Darby Campbell and his business partner, Bob McManus head up this company and are known for dealings such as Dogwood Plaza, Pigeon Forge's Mellow Mushroom, the Lakeside Tavern, and other restaurants. According to the agreement, the company would develop an events center across from the city's 35-acre parking facility. The city agreed to use the center under a 27-year lease.
The plans for the 232,599-square-foot event center include a 100,500 square foot exhibit hall, 12,000 square foot multipurpose hall, and more. It has been referred to as the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge. The developers are also buying 12 acres adjacent to that spot for a 200-room hotel. There is already an existing 138-room hotel that was partially constructed as part of Belle Island project. If all goes as scheduled, construction of Riverwalk Village will resume this summer, with the hotel and some restaurants open by the spring 2012.Construction of the event center is expected to start this summer and be completed by sometime 2013.
With all the special events, the city of Pigeon Forge has needed this for a while and it will bring more jobs to the area. Good news is always a plus!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
2011 Tennessee Winter Special Olympics
The much anticipated Tennessee Winter Special Olympics were held this year at Ober Gatlinburg on January 31 thru February 1. The event opened with an evening ceremony on Sunday night, January, 30th and the traditional “Lighting of the Torch” ceremony was the following morning at Ober Gatlinburg. The evening ceremony was located at the popular Gatlinburg Convention Center. It started with the Color Guard provided by the Gatlinburg Police Department followed by a march of the athletes and recognition of programs. Areas represented at this year’s Tennessee Winter Special Olympics were: Area 1/Nashville, Area 4 / Chattanooga Area 5/Knoxville, Area 6/Columbia, Area 9/Cookeville, Area 12/Clarksville, Area 13/Tullahoma, Area 15/Maryville, Area 26/Williamson County, Area 27/Wilson County, Area 32/Rogersville & Kingsport, and the host delegation Area 10/Morristown.
Later, Games Director, Meg Takahashi, introduced Rex Anders of Ober Gatlinburg and two UT football players Tauren Poole and Austin Johnson. Plaques were presented to Scot Stinnet of Walgreens and to Will McGaha/Scott Murphy Gatlinburg Convention Center. MANY thanks go out Ober Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Depart of Tourism, Gatlinburg Convention Center, The American Legion Post 202, The Smoky Mountain Ski Club, Walgreens, American Eagle Outfitters, Alcoa Civitan, and Flav-o-Rich. Without your help, the event would not have been possible.
The actual event included Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, and Speed skating. There were an incredible 119 athletes in attendance and 40 coaches. They had a day of preparation and a day to compete. The praise and support offered by the staff, friends, family, and fans were phenomenal. Everyone was having such a great time. It was rewarding occasion for the athletes as well as their parents. If you have never attended a Special Olympics event, it is highly encouraged. It reflects both the true strength of the human spirit and joy in the purest form. These individuals are truly remarkable in every sense of the word.
As a mother of a daughter with spina bifida, I know the hardships of working with a special needs individual, but I also know MORE SO the benefits. I cannot tell express enough gratitude for everything the parents, caretakers, teachers, participating businesses, doctors, and more do for the care, support, and encouragement of our loved ones. The Special Olympics Tennessee is a magnificent organization. To find out more about how you can help today click here http://specialolympicstn.org/ or to see pictures of this event look us up on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SeePigeonForgeTN.
Later, Games Director, Meg Takahashi, introduced Rex Anders of Ober Gatlinburg and two UT football players Tauren Poole and Austin Johnson. Plaques were presented to Scot Stinnet of Walgreens and to Will McGaha/Scott Murphy Gatlinburg Convention Center. MANY thanks go out Ober Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Depart of Tourism, Gatlinburg Convention Center, The American Legion Post 202, The Smoky Mountain Ski Club, Walgreens, American Eagle Outfitters, Alcoa Civitan, and Flav-o-Rich. Without your help, the event would not have been possible.
The actual event included Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, and Speed skating. There were an incredible 119 athletes in attendance and 40 coaches. They had a day of preparation and a day to compete. The praise and support offered by the staff, friends, family, and fans were phenomenal. Everyone was having such a great time. It was rewarding occasion for the athletes as well as their parents. If you have never attended a Special Olympics event, it is highly encouraged. It reflects both the true strength of the human spirit and joy in the purest form. These individuals are truly remarkable in every sense of the word.
As a mother of a daughter with spina bifida, I know the hardships of working with a special needs individual, but I also know MORE SO the benefits. I cannot tell express enough gratitude for everything the parents, caretakers, teachers, participating businesses, doctors, and more do for the care, support, and encouragement of our loved ones. The Special Olympics Tennessee is a magnificent organization. To find out more about how you can help today click here http://specialolympicstn.org/ or to see pictures of this event look us up on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SeePigeonForgeTN.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Community Comes Together for Seymour Benefit
On January 21, news of Ryan Seymour's death rocked the small community of Greenback to its very foundation. After all, he was just 17 and a very well-known youth around the area. Ryan was a star football player and had a promising future. Everything changed in the blink of an eye, when Seymour and three other passengers from Greenback High School wrecked on Calderwood Highway after being thrown from their vehicle. All were injured, but Ryan later passed away. It is hard to believe that a light, which shined so brightly, could be snuffed out so quickly.
The community's reaction to the youth's passing was one of extreme support for the family. Right away, they set up a way people can make donations to the family via Regions Bank Ryan Seymour Foundation. Also they held The Seymour Family Benefit on January 29th from 4-7pm at Greenback High School. The benefit included a silent auction, cake walk, live music, chili dinner & desserts in the lunch room, baked goods, and a slide show of Ryan. They were also selling memorial t-shirts.
The silent auction was a huge success and many thanks goes out to the companies and individuals who made it possible. There were items such as: Braces from start to finish by Turner Orthodontics,4 tickets to Comedy Barn and $30 Tony Roma's Gift Card from See Pigeon Forge, Wilderness of the Smokies family passes, 3 UT game tickets for 2 people, UT football coach & basketball coach autographed items, diamond pendant necklace, ladies Swiss watch, MHS State Champ autographed football, free oil change certificates, stained glass large picture, fresh water pearl necklace, professional photography $100 gift certificate, and so MUCH MORE!
The benefit was a huge success. Greenback showed that they both a community of personal strength in time of need and a place of caring. The most obvious "benefit" from the event was learning that Ryan was not considered just a member of their community, but as a member of their families.
Check out pictures of the event on our Facebook site at http://www.facebook.com/#!/SeePigeonForgeTN and remember to donate to Regions Bank Ryan Seymour Foundation.
The community's reaction to the youth's passing was one of extreme support for the family. Right away, they set up a way people can make donations to the family via Regions Bank Ryan Seymour Foundation. Also they held The Seymour Family Benefit on January 29th from 4-7pm at Greenback High School. The benefit included a silent auction, cake walk, live music, chili dinner & desserts in the lunch room, baked goods, and a slide show of Ryan. They were also selling memorial t-shirts.
The silent auction was a huge success and many thanks goes out to the companies and individuals who made it possible. There were items such as: Braces from start to finish by Turner Orthodontics,4 tickets to Comedy Barn and $30 Tony Roma's Gift Card from See Pigeon Forge, Wilderness of the Smokies family passes, 3 UT game tickets for 2 people, UT football coach & basketball coach autographed items, diamond pendant necklace, ladies Swiss watch, MHS State Champ autographed football, free oil change certificates, stained glass large picture, fresh water pearl necklace, professional photography $100 gift certificate, and so MUCH MORE!
The benefit was a huge success. Greenback showed that they both a community of personal strength in time of need and a place of caring. The most obvious "benefit" from the event was learning that Ryan was not considered just a member of their community, but as a member of their families.
Check out pictures of the event on our Facebook site at http://www.facebook.com/#!/SeePigeonForgeTN and remember to donate to Regions Bank Ryan Seymour Foundation.
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